NC announced a major expansion for Aion 2 during a showcase at the Mayfield Hotel in Seoul on June 14, 2006. The update, titled “Land of Sand and Frost,” launches on July 1 and introduces the “Soul Master” class, a new 5-player party system, and a consolidated monthly membership model priced at ₩25,000. The event, which hosted 150 users, also confirmed a collaboration with the K-pop group fromis_9.
What defines the new Soul Master class?
The Soul Master is a melee-focused class that relies on fist and foot combat, according to NC. Players build rage during combat to trigger a “Berserk” state, which fundamentally alters the character’s skill set. The class is designed for high-mobility gameplay, featuring mechanics that allow players to push or pull enemies, dash into groups, and quickly retreat to their original position. This addition marks a shift toward more aggressive, movement-oriented combat within the Aion 2 ecosystem.
How is the ‘Land of Sand and Frost’ update changing game progression?
NC is moving toward a “Chapter” update system rather than seasonal releases, with “Land of Sand and Frost” serving as the first major installment. This update increases the character level cap from 45 to 50 and expands party sizes from four players to five. To support this growth, developers added new slots for Pendants, Seals, and Stat Arcana, while removing the existing attack power cap to allow for higher damage scaling.
What are the new competitive and horizontal gameplay options?
The update introduces two sports-style PVP modes: Occupation Battles and Battle Royale. Occupation Battles normalize combat power and stats across all participants, focusing on capturing points to reach a target score. The “Outland” Battle Royale mode pits 100 players against each other in a survival-based format where gear must be scavenged on-site. Outside of combat, players can engage in horizontal content, including sailing, fishing, and a housing system that allows for land ownership on aerial islands like Elysea and Pandaemonium.
Why did NC consolidate the membership structure?
NC replaced three previous membership tiers—priced at ₩19,700, ₩29,700, and ₩45,000—with a single ₩25,000 monthly plan. This new subscription covers 30 days of access, accounting for 28 base days plus two bonus days provided through a membership pass. According to the company, existing membership time will be converted based on the new price point. Additionally, new and returning users receive growth support, including Tier 4 equipment and Stigma skills, to help them reach current endgame content faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the ‘Land of Sand and Frost’ update release?
The update is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1. - What is the new party size limit?
Parties have been expanded from four to five players. - How does the Soul Master class work?
It is a melee class that uses a rage-building mechanic to enter a “Berserk” state, changing its skill set and combat capabilities. - Are there changes to dungeon limits for new players?
Yes, dungeon reward and boss kill limits are removed for new users, replaced by an “unclaimed rewards” countdown system.
The upcoming collaboration with fromis_9 includes more than just costumes. Players will be able to perform choreography emotes and interact with a special stage feature that syncs with nearby characters’ movements.
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